HIGHLINE BOTANICAL GARDEN FOUNDATION

The Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden was planted in 2000 and opened to visitors in 2001. The HBGF was founded by volunteers in 1999 that were committed to creating a regional garden in the Highline area, starting with the preservation of the Elda Behm's garden that stood in the shadow of SeaTac Airport’s proposed third runway. Through efforts of volunteers, the City of SeaTac, and the Port of Seattle, the Foundation moved thousands of plants from Elda’s garden. In 2005 the Seike Family and City of SeaTac relocated the Seike Japanese Garden from the nearby Des Moines Nursery that was scheduled for demolition due to the Airport expansion. Many of the plants in this collection are over 100 years old.

The Garden has slowly expanded by adding plant society beds with display gardens including roses, daylilies, irises, species fuchsia, and hardy fuchsia. Our most recent gardens include the Neighborhood Heritage Garden, Victory Garden, and Woodland Garden. We are also home to a community garden, apiary, and propagation area and greenhouse. The Foundation has built infrastructure to sustain the Garden: irrigation, pathways, and water features. Expansion occurs, according to the Garden’s master plan, as funding becomes available.